ECMO for drug-refractory electrical storm without a reversible trigger: a retrospective multicentric observational study.

AIMS: Drug-refractory electrical storm (ES) is a life-threatening medical emergency. We describe the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in drug-refractory ES without a reversible trigger, for which specific guideline recommendations are still lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective observational study in four Iberian centres on the indications, treatment, complications, and outcome of drug-refractory ES not associated with acute coronary syndromes, decompensated heart failure, drug toxicity, electrolyte disturbances, endocrine emergencies, concomitant acute illness with fever, or poor compliance with anti-arrhythmic drugs, requiring VA-ECMO for circulatory support. Thirty-four (6%) out of 552 patients with VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock were included [71% men; 57 (44-62) years], 65% underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation before VA-ECMO implantation, and 26% during cannulation. Left ventricular unloading during VA-ECMO was used in 8 (24%) patients: 3 (9%) with intraaortic balloon pump, 3 (9%) with LV vent, and 2 (6%) with Impella. Thirty (88%) had structural heart disease and 8 (24%) had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The drug-refractory ES was mostly due to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) (59%), isolated monomorphic VT (26%), polymorphic VT (9%), or VF (6%). Thirty-one (91%) required deep sedation, 44% overdrive pacing, 36% catheter ablation, and 26% acute autonomic modulation. The main complications were nosocomial infection (47%), bleeding (24%), and limb ischaemia (21%). Eighteen (53%) were weaned from VA-ECMO, and 29% had heart transplantation. Twenty-seven (79%) survived to hospital discharge (48 (33-82) days). Non-survivors were older [62 (58-67) vs. 54 (43-58); P < 0.01] and had a higher first rhythm disorder-to-ECMO interval [0 (0-2) vs. 2 (1-11) days; P = 0.02]. Seven (20%) had rehospitalization during follow-up [29 (12-48) months], with ES recurrence in 6%. CONCLUSIONS: VA-ECMO bridged drug-refractory ES without a reversible trigger with a high success rate. This required prolonged hospital stays and coordination between the ECMO centre, the electrophysiology laboratory, and the heart transplant programme.

Unusual presentation of benzodiazepine withdrawal with Takotsubo syndrome: a case report.

Background: Thousands of people suffer from anxiety, depression, and insomnia every day, with benzodiazepines being one of the strategies used to treat these conditions. Withdrawal from its long-term use can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, including Takotsubo syndrome. The authors highlight an atypical case of Takotsubo syndrome secondary to benzodiazepine withdrawal, a rare life-threatening complication of acute substance withdrawal. Case summary: A 58-year-old female presented to the emergency department with altered mental status and acute pulmonary oedema after discontinuing her prescribed benzodiazepines 3 days prior to presentation. Electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated anterior ST-segment elevation, with Q-wave and T-wave inversion with prolonged QT interval. Troponin I concentration and B-type natriuretic peptide were elevated to 5407 ng/L (normal ≤ 16 ng/L) and to 1627.0 pg/L (normal ≤ 100 pg/mL), respectively. Echocardiogram showed ballooning of the left ventricle (LV) apex with dyskinesia of the mid and apical segments, with LV function of 15%. Coronary angiography was normal, but left ventriculography showed severe LV systolic dysfunction with akinesis of the mid and apical LV segments and hyperdynamic basal segments. A presumptive diagnosis of benzodiazepine withdrawal-induced Takotsubo syndrome was made, and patients' symptoms, ECG findings, and LV dysfunction resolved after benzodiazepine administration. Six months post discharge, the patient remained asymptomatic with a normal biventricular function, and a beta-blocker was successfully introduced as part of a lifelong plan. Discussion: A diagnosis of benzodiazepine withdrawal-induced Takotsubo syndrome is an underrecognized and challenging diagnosis, due to its atypical clinical presentation. High degree of clinical suspicion for this syndrome is crucial, since favourable prognosis depends on prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Pesticide Residues in Organic and Conventional Agricultural Soils across Europe: Measured and Predicted Concentrations.

During the growing season of 2021, 201 soil samples from conventionally and organically managed fields from 10 European countries and 8 cropping systems were taken, and 192 residues of synthetic pesticides were analyzed. Pesticide residues were found in 97% of the samples, and 88% of the samples contained mixtures of at least 2 substances. A maximum of 21 substances were found in conventionally managed fields, and a maximum of 12 were found in organically managed fields. The number and concentration of pesticide residues varied significantly between conventional and organic fields in 70 and 50% of the case study sites, respectively. Application records were available for a selected number of fields (n = 82), and these records were compared to the detected substances. Residues from 52% of the applied pesticides were detected in the soils. Only 21% of the pesticide residues detected in the soil samples were applied during the 2021 growing season. From the application data, predicted environmental concentrations of residues in soil were calculated and compared to the measured concentrations. These estimates turned out not to be accurate. The results of this study show that most European agricultural soils contain mixtures of pesticide residues and that current calculation methods may not reliably estimate their presence.

Assessing pesticide residues occurrence and risks in water systems: A Pan-European and Argentina perspective.

Freshwater ecosystems face a particularly high risk of biodiversity loss compared to marine and terrestrial systems. The use of pesticides in agricultural fields is recognized as a relevant stressor for freshwater environments, exerting a negative impact worldwide on the overall status and health of the freshwater communities. In the present work, part of the Horizon 2020 funded SPRINT project, the occurrence of 193 pesticide residues was investigated in 64 small water bodies of distinct typology (creeks, streams, channels, ditches, rivers, lakes, ponds and reservoirs), located in regions with high agricultural activity in 10 European countries and in Argentina. Mixtures of pesticide residues were detected in all water bodies (20, median; 8-40 min-max). Total pesticide levels found ranged between 6.89 and 5860 ng/L, highlighting herbicides as the dominant type of pesticides. Glyphosate was the compound with the highest median concentration followed by 2,4-D and MCPA, and in a lower degree by dimethomorph, fluopicolide, prothioconazole and metolachlor(-S). Argentina was the site with the highest total pesticide concentration in water bodies followed by The Netherlands, Portugal and France. One or more pesticides exceeded the threshold values established in the European Water Framework Directive for surface water in 9 out of 11 case study sites (CSS), and the total pesticide concentration surpassed the reference value of 500 ng/L in 8 CSS. Although only 5 % (bifenthrin, dieldrin, fipronil sulfone, permethrin, and terbutryn) of the individual pesticides denoted high risk (RQ > 1), the ratios estimated for pesticide mixtures suggested potential environmental risk in the aquatic compartment studied.

A simple and easy technique to overcome anatomic challenges of transradial access in STEMI patients.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) is associated with fewer access-related complications, earlier discharge and lower mortality than transfemoral access (TFA), being the preferred route to perform primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PPCIs) in STEMI patients. However, the radial artery is smaller, more superficial and thinner than the femoral artery, which may make PPCIs difficult. PURPOSE: This study describes a practical solution to overcome several of the anatomical difficulties during the TRA, demonstrating its outcomes during clinical practice. METHODS: The authors reviewed the clinical records of 1510 STEMI patients who underwent PPCIs over seven years. Of these, 95 (6.3%) patients experienced problems in advancing a 6F guiding catheter and underwent to STR technique. This technique consists in the use of a longer 5Fr STR flush catheter, which can be used as a "child" type rapid exchange catheter inside the 6Fr guiding catheter, adopting a 5-in-6 Fr technique and creating a smooth distal tip transition of the 6Fr guiding catheter. RESULTS: In 89/95 patients (93.7%), this new technique was successful. The majority of these patients were female (51; 53.7%) and the mean age was 67 ± 14.3 years. The mean reperfusion time since arrival at the catheterization laboratory with STR technique was 24.5 ± 9.9 min, being statistically shorter than when a crossover to TFA was used (29.3 ± 9.5 min; p < 0.017). PPCIs were successfully completed in all different coronary arteries, without complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The STR technique is a simple and useful approach that allowed more successful passage of guiding catheters through difficult TRA, allowing a reduction of crossover to TFA in this study to 2.4 %, which translates into a shorter reperfusion time.

Survival and Long-Term Functional Status of COVID-19 Patients Requiring Prolonged Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

Rationale: Severe cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may require prolonged (>28 d) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In nonresolving disease, recovery is uncertain, and lung transplant may be proposed. Objectives: This study aims to identify the variables influencing survival and to describe the functional status of these patients at 6 months. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study including patients requiring ECMO support for coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related ARDS for >28 days. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox regression in preselected variables and in least absolute shrinkage and selection operator selected variables. In a post hoc analysis to account for confounders and differences in awake strategy use by centers, treatment effects of the awake strategy were estimated using an augmented inverse probability weighting estimator with robust standard errors clustered by center. Results: Between March 15, 2020 and March 15, 2021, 120 patients required ECMO for >28 days. Sixty-four patients (53.3%) survived decannulation, 62 (51.7%) were alive at hospital discharge, and 61 (50.8%) were alive at 6-month follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, age (1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.15; P = 0.002) and an awake ECMO strategy (defined as the patient being awake, cooperative, and performing rehabilitation and physiotherapy with or without invasive mechanical ventilation at any time during the extracorporeal support) (0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.47; P = 0.003) were found to be predictors of hospital survival. At 6 months, 51 (42.5%) patients were at home, 42 (84.3%) of them without oxygen therapy. A cutoff point of 47 ECMO days had a 100% (95% CI, 76.8-100%) sensitivity and 60% (95% CI, 44.3-73.6%) specificity for oxygen therapy at 6 months, with 100% specificity being found in 97 days. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 who require ECMO for >28 days can survive with nonlimiting lung impairment. Age and an awake ECMO strategy may be associated with survival. Longer duration of support correlates with need for oxygen therapy at 6 months.

Pesticide residues with hazard classifications relevant to non-target species including humans are omnipresent in the environment and farmer residences.

Intensive and widespread use of pesticides raises serious environmental and human health concerns. The presence and levels of 209 pesticide residues (active substances and transformation products) in 625 environmental samples (201 soil, 193 crop, 20 outdoor air, 115 indoor dust, 58 surface water, and 38 sediment samples) have been studied. The samples were collected during the 2021 growing season, across 10 study sites, covering the main European crops, and conventional and organic farming systems. We profiled the pesticide residues found in the different matrices using existing hazard classifications towards non-target organisms and humans. Combining monitoring data and hazard information, we developed an indicator for the prioritization of pesticides, which can support policy decisions and sustainable pesticide use transitions. Eighty-six percent of the samples had at least one residue above the respective limit of detection. One hundred residues were found in soil, 112 in water, 99 in sediments, 78 in crops, 76 in outdoor air, and 197 in indoor dust. The number, levels, and profile of residues varied between farming systems. Our results show that non-approved compounds still represent a significant part of environmental cocktails and should be accounted for in monitoring programs and risk assessments. The hazard profiles analysis confirms the dominance of compounds of low-moderate hazard and underscores the high hazard of some approved compounds and recurring "no data available" situations. Overall, our results support the idea that risk should be assessed in a mixture context, taking environmentally relevant mixtures into consideration. We have uncovered uncertainties and data gaps that should be addressed, as well as the policy implications at the EU approval status level. Our newly introduced indicator can help identify research priority areas, and act as a reference for targeted scenarios set forth in the Farm to Fork pesticide reduction goals.

Occurrence of pesticide residues in indoor dust of farmworker households across Europe and Argentina.

Pesticides are widely used as plant protection products (PPPs) in farming systems to preserve crops against pests, weeds, and fungal diseases. Indoor dust can act as a chemical repository revealing occurrence of pesticides in the indoor environment at the time of sampling and the (recent) past. This in turn provides information on the exposure of humans to pesticides in their homes. In the present study, part of the Horizon 2020 funded SPRINT project, the presence of 198 pesticide residues was assessed in 128 indoor dust samples from both conventional and organic farmworker households across Europe, and in Argentina. Mixtures of pesticide residues were found in all dust samples (25-121, min-max; 75, median). Concentrations varied in a wide range (<0.01 ng/g-206 µg/g), with glyphosate and its degradation product AMPA, permethrin, cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide found in highest levels. Regarding the type of pesticides, insecticides showed significantly higher levels than herbicides and fungicides. Indoor dust samples related to organic farms showed a significantly lower number of residues, total and individual concentrations than those related to conventional farms. Some pesticides found in indoor dust were no longer approved ones (29 %), with acute/chronic hazards to human health (32 %) and with environmental toxicity (21 %).

Do Freshwater and Marine Bivalves Differ in Their Response to Wildfire Ash? Effects on the Antioxidant Defense System and Metal Body Burden.

Wildfires constitute a source of contamination to both freshwater and marine ecosystems. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant defense response of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea and the marine cockle (Cerastoderma edule) to wildfire ash exposure and the concomitant metal body burden. Organisms were exposed to different concentrations (0%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) of aqueous extracts of Eucalypt ash (AEAs) from a moderate-to-high severity wildfire. The activity of various enzymes, as well as lipid peroxidation, protein content, and metal body burden, were determined after 96 h of exposure. A significant increase in the protein content of soft tissues was observed for C. edule at AEA concentrations ≥ 25%, unlike for C. fluminea. Similarly, significant effects on lipid peroxidation were observed for cockles, but not for clams. For both species, a significant effect in the total glutathione peroxidase activity was observed at AEA concentrations ≥ 25%. Relative to the control, AEAs-exposed clams showed higher Cd content, whereas AEAs-exposed cockles showed higher Cu content, thus exhibiting different responses to the exposure to wildfire ash. The susceptibility of bivalves to ashes, at environmentally relevant concentrations, raises concern about the effects of post-fire runoff to bivalve species.

Syncope in the athlete - Minor changes, major diagnosis!

We report the case of a 17-year-old athlete who resorted to the emergency department for palpitations and dizziness while exercising. He mentioned two exercise-associated episodes of syncope in the last six months. He was tachycardic and hypotensive. The electrocardiogram showed regular wide complex tachycardia, left bundle branch block morphology with superior axis restored to sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion. In sinus rhythm, it showed T-wave inversion in V1-V5. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed mild dilation and dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) with global hypocontractility. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) revealed a RV end diastolic volume indexed to body surface area of 180 ml/m2, global hypokinesia and RV dyssynchrony, subepicardial late enhancement in the distal septum and in the middle segment of the inferoseptal wall. The patient underwent a genetic study which showed a mutation in the gene that encodes the desmocolin-2 protein (DSC-2), which is involved in the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). According to the modified Task Force Criteria for this diagnosis, the patient presented four major criteria for ARVC. Thus, a subcutaneous cardioverter was implanted, and the patient was followed up at the cardiology department. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy diagnosis is based on structural, functional, electrophysiological and genetic criteria reflecting underlying histological changes. This case depicts the essential characteristics for disease recognition.

Effects of wildfire ashes on aquatic invertebrates: First molecular approach on Chironomus riparius larvae.

The wildfire magnification in recent years has raised increasing concern about their adverse impacts on the environment. Wildfires are recognized as an important source of diffuse pollution for the nearby aquatic systems being potentially toxic to aquatic life. Albeit previous studies with wildfire runoff/ashes observed effects in aquatic organisms, to date, different severity origins of ashes and their impact at the sub-organismal level on aquatic biota have not been assessed. In this work, the molecular response of Chironomus riparius exposed to wildfire with low (LS) and high (HS) severity ashes from burnt Pine plantations was evaluated by employing an array of 42 genes related to crucial metabolic pathways by Real time-PCR. IV instar larvae were exposed for 72 h to aqueous extract of ashes (12.5 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) prepared from LS and HS ashes. Mn, Zn, and Pb were the metals found at highest concentration in both ash extracts, for HS notable Cd, Mn and Cr presence. From the 42 genes studied only 4 were not altered (22 genes modulated their response by LS and 38 genes in the case of HS) showing the opposite response at 100% with downregulated by LS and upregulated by HS. The 12.5 %, 25 %, 100 % HS and 25 % LS were the main modulators, confirmed by the integrative biomarkers response (IBR). Remarkable genotoxicity was generated by ashes even activating the apoptosis response, and endocrine disruption observed could modify the development. Moreover, detoxification and stress response were strongly activated, limiting the organism's future response to external aggressions. The employment of this novelty approach with molecular tools act as early alarm signal preventing greater damages. Overall, wildfire ashes showed to be a significant environmental disruptor to C. riparius even at lower concentration and the short exposure time employed, emphasizing the strong impact of wildfires on aquatic systems.

Effects of aqueous extracts of wildfire ashes on tadpoles of Pelophylax perezi: Influence of plant coverage.

Wildfires have been pointed out as an important source of diffuse contamination to aquatic ecosystems, namely through the input of toxic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals. However, amphibians' responses to this disturbance have been largely ignored. Hence, this study intended to assess how ashes from Pinus sp. and Eucalyptus sp. plantation forests affect tadpoles of Pelophylax perezi. Tadpoles were exposed 14 days to serial concentrations (26.9 %-100 %) of aqueous extracts of ashes (AEA, with 10 g L-1 of ashes) containing Eucalypt (ELS) and Pine (PLS) ashes. The following endpoints were measured: mortality, malformations, developmental stage, body length and weight. Effects at sub-individual level were also monitored for oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and energetic metabolism. Chemical characterization of the AEA of ELS showed higher concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb and V, while PLS showed higher concentrations of Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn. Concerning the lethal effects of AEAs on tadpoles, both extracts were able to induce mortality at high concentrations (76.9 and/or 100 % of AEA), although a high variability in the response was found. A significant mortality in tadpoles exposed to ELS was observed at the concentration of 76.9 %. For organisms exposed to PLS, though a mortality above 20 % was registered at the two highest tested concentrations, it was not significantly different from the control. No significant sub-lethal effects were observed in the ELS treatments. Contrasting, exposure to PLS induced a decrease in body length, weight, glutathione-S-transferase activity and an increase in oxygen consumption. Overall, the distinct effects of ELS and PLS suggest an influence of vegetation cover in ash toxicity. In conclusion, exposure to both ash extracts negatively affected sublethal responses of tadpoles of P. perezi. Future research is needed to assess how these effects at individual level may translate into effects at population level.

Do sediment-bound nickel and lead affect chironomids life-history? Toxicity assessment under environmentally relevant conditions.

Metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems translates into increased concentrations of sediment-bound metals, representing a risk for benthic species. This risk might be enhanced in soft and moderately hard waters, world widely distributed, due to the protective role of hardness against metal toxicity. As lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) are amongst the more abundant metals in aquatic systems, and since their combined effects to benthic species have been overlooked, in this study we aimed to investigate the life-cycle toxicity of Pb and Ni (using spiked sediment) to the benthic species Chironomus riparius, considering both single and mixture exposures, in moderately hard water. Environmentally relevant concentrations of each metal were used (25 and 75 mg kg-1, based on a scenario of pollution by runoff waters from burnt forests), following a full factorial design. Effects of the mixture with the highest metal concentrations (Pb 75 mg kg-1 dw + Ni 75 mg kg-1 dw) were also assessed in the second generation. In the first generation, exposure to Pb increased emergence and the weight of males, and decreased time to emergence of both males and females. Conversely, exposure to Ni delayed female emergence and decreased the weight of imagoes. Summarizing, Pb affected more endpoints but showed an apparent positive effect, whereas Ni affected less endpoints but exhibited adverse effects. Reproduction was not affected by these metals. In the second generation, the mixture Pb 75 mg kg-1 + Ni 75 mg kg-1 dw delayed emergence and reduced the emerged female fraction and their weight. These results highlight that Pb and Ni can alter the structure of C. riparius populations at environmentally relevant concentrations, which signals potential repercussions in the dynamics and functioning of freshwater ecosystems under these contamination scenarios. The findings of the present study are relevant not only for metal-polluted environments, in general, but also for fire-affected ecosystems.

Infective endocarditis: Epidemiology and prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in the epidemiological profile of IE, to perform a time-trend analysis and to define short-term and long-term prognostic predictors of IE. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 173 patients admitted with a diagnosis of IE to a Portuguese level II Hospital between January 1998 and December 2013. The patients were divided into two groups according to the period of occurrence of the IE episode (1998-2007 vs. 2008-2013). The clinical event studied was the occurrence of death or the need for urgent surgery during hospitalization, and death in the follow-up period. Independent predictors of short-term and long-term prognosis were identified. RESULTS: In the first portion of the study, IE occurred in younger individuals, often drug addicts, users of intravenous drugs and with gastrointestinal disease, human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B infection. In the second portion of the study, IE occurred more frequently in individuals of an older age with concomitant cardiovascular disease; enterococcus was isolated more frequently. The independent predictors of in-hospital death or need for urgent valve surgery were septic shock and the occurrence of peri-annular complications. The independent predictors of long-term mortality were age, chronic kidney disease and IE due to multidrug-resistant microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Differences were found in the epidemiological profile of IE during the study period. Referral for valve surgery increased slightly, but mortality remained high.

Estimation of mercury emissions from the forest floor of a pine plantation during a wildfire in central Portugal.

Mercury (Hg) concentrations in soils and Hg releases from soils during wildfires are not well characterised in Portugal, even though wildfire activity continues to increase around the Mediterranean. This study focused on the low to moderate severity wildfire in Pombal (Portugal) in 2019, which consumed 12.5 ha of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.). We evaluated Hg concentrations in soil profiles and Hg pools in organic horizons to assess the fire-induced Hg emissions. Moreover, impacts of the fire on forest floor properties were estimated. Four soil profiles were sampled, two at the burned area and two at a nearby unburned area. The soil profiles displayed a typical Hg distribution, with higher Hg concentrations (156 µg kg-1) in the organic horizons with a sharp decrease in the mineral layers. The bond between organic matter and Hg was evident along the profiles, with a strong correlation between TOC and Hg. Ratios of Hg/TOC in the surface layers of the soil were similar in all profiles. The mean organic Hg pool at the studied site was calculated at 10.6 g ha-1. The fire did not seem to affect the topsoil properties based on visual indicators and the lack of statistical differences (p > 0.05) among measured fire-sensitive chemical soil properties (pH, CEC, TOC, TS) between the topsoils of the burned and unburned areas. If we consider a hypothetical complete combustion of the organic layer (743 Mg) and unaffected topsoil, we estimated a release of 133 g of Hg from the burned area. The study emphasised the importance of the forest floor for Hg retention and its crucial role in Hg emissions during wildfires in a country increasingly affected by climate change.

Effects of Eucalypt ashes from moderate and high severity wildfires on the skin microbiome of the Iberian frog (Rana iberica).

Forest fires can threaten amphibians because ash-associated contaminants transported by post-fire runoff impact both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Still, the effects of these contaminants on the skin microbiome of amphibians have been overlooked. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the effects of ash from different severity wildfires (moderate and high) on the skin microbiome of the Iberian frog (Rana iberica). Bacterial isolates sampled from R. iberica skin microbiome were tested for their antimicrobial activity against the pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida. The isolates with antimicrobial activity were identified and further exposed to several concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of Eucalypt (Eucalyptus globulus) aqueous extracts (AAEs) of ash from both a moderate and a high severity wildfire. The results showed that 53% of the bacterial isolates presented antimicrobial activity, with Pseudomonas being the most common genus. Exposure to AAEs had diverse effects on bacterial growth since a decrease, an increase or no effects on growth were observed. For both ash types, increasing AAEs concentrations led to an increase in the number of bacteria whose growth was negatively affected. Ash from the high severity fire showed more adverse effects on bacterial growth than those from moderate severity, likely due to the higher metal concentrations of the former. This study revealed that bacteria living in Iberian frogs' skin could be impaired by ash-related contaminants, potentially weakening the individual's immune system. Given the foreseen increase in wildfires' frequency and severity under climate change, this work raises awareness of the risks faced by amphibian communities in fire-prone regions, emphasising the importance of a rapid implementation of post-fire emergency measures for the preservation and conservation of this group of animals.

Satisfação e perfil socioeconômico e demográfico dos consumidores das feiras livres de Juiz de Fora-MG / Satisfaction level and socioeconomic and demographic profile of the consumers of the street markets of Juiz de Fora-MG

Resumo Introdução As feiras livres existem há muito tempo no Brasil e apresentam grande importância no abastecimento direto de consumidores, na geração de renda para a população rural e no fomento ao comércio urbano. Objetivo Descrever o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico e avaliar a satisfação dos consumidores das feiras livres de Juiz de Fora-MG. Método Estudo transversal, descritivo, quantitativo e qualitativo. Foram realizadas 385 entrevistas utilizando questionário semiestruturado em 15 feiras. Resultados A maioria dos consumidores é do gênero feminino (65%, n = 252), com idade média de 46 anos (± 22 anos), 50% (n = 192) são casados, 43,4% (n = 167) apresentam o ensino médio e mais da metade não trabalha ou é aposentada (51,9%, n = 199) e 41,4% (n = 159) possuem renda familiar de 1 a 3 salários mínimos. O gasto na feira está associado com estado civil e número de moradores por casa. Dos consumidores, 98,1% (n = 371) estão satisfeitos com a feira que frequentam. Os motivos de satisfação citados: 20% (n = 71) praticidade e localidade; 19% (n = 66) preço e variedade; 12% (n = 60) interação e qualidade e 1% (n = 4) atendimento. A escolaridade do frequentador e a satisfação quanto à higiene pessoal e das barracas/boxes estão associadas. Conclusão O desafio é conquistar o reconhecimento de um público maior, com produtos diversificados e com qualidade. O estabelecimento de novas estratégias pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento das feiras, promover saúde e garantir a segurança alimentar e nutricional.

Abstract Background Street markets have been around for a long time in Brazil and are of great importance in the direct supply of consumers, in the generation of income for the rural population and in the promotion of urban commerce. Objective To describe the socioeconomic and demographic profile, and to evaluate the satisfaction of consumers at the street markets in Juiz de Fora-MG. Method A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative study was carried out. The interviews were carried out through a semi-structured questionnaire with 385 consumers at 15 street markets. Results Most consumers are female (65%, n = 252), with a mean age of 46 years (± 22 years), 50% (n = 192) are married, 43.4% (n = 167) have the high school and more than half do not work or are retired (51.9%, n = 199) and 41.4% (n = 159) have a family income of 1 to 3 minimum wages. Spending at the fair is associated with marital status and number of residents per house. 98.1% (n = 371) of consumers are satisfied with the street market where they attend. The reasons for satisfaction cited: 20% (n = 71) convenience and location; 19% (n = 66) price and variety; 12% (n = 60) interaction and quality and 1% (n = 4) service .The schooling of the frequenter and the satisfaction with personal hygiene and the tents are associated. Conclusion The challenge is to gain recognition from a larger audience, with diversified and quality products. The establishment of new strategies can contribute to the development of street markets, promote health, and ensure food and nutritional security.

Effects of wildfire ash on the growth and biochemical profiles of the aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor.

Wildfires are a social and environmental concern to the world due to their many adverse effects, including risk to the public health and security, economic damages in prevention and fight, ecosystems pollution, land usage sustainability, and biodiversity. In the Mediterranean region, these events have increased in the last years. Although several studies evaluated the impacts of the wildfires on the structure and function of the ecosystems and their communities, there is a lack of information at the biochemical level beyond the toxicological effects to the organisms. So, aiming to evaluate the potential toxic and biochemical effects of pine and eucalypt ash from high and low severity burned areas in the aquatic environments, L. minor growth, fatty acid and carbohydrate profiles were studied. Data showed that the wildfires ash from high severity burned areas are more toxic, with a higher growth inhibition than when exposed to ash from low severity burned areas. Considering the ash from low severity burned areas, eucalypt ash revealed to be more noxious to the macrophyte than pine ash. Furthermore, it was observed a decrease in the diversity and abundance of fatty acids content, comparing with the control. An opposite trend was observed in carbohydrates which increased with the organisms' exposure to almost all ash types, except in case of the organisms exposed to eucalypt ash from high severity burned areas, where carbohydrate content decreased.

Effects of Pine and Eucalypt ashes on bacterial isolates from the skin microbiome of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra).

Environmental contamination influences the diversity of the resident skin microbial community of amphibians, ultimately affecting the individual's immune system. Wildfires are expected to impact the skin microbiome, since post-fire runoff typically transports hazardous substances, that can affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The present study is the first to assess the effects of Eucalypt and Pine wildfire ash on cultivable bacterial isolates from the skin microbiome of amphibians, in particular the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), a common species in fire-prone Mediterranean ecosystems. To achieve this goal, samples of skin bacteria of adult individuals of S. salamandra were collected at a site without influence of wildfires. The bacterial isolates were tested against the pathogenic agent Aeromonas salmonicida for assessing their antimicrobial activity, before exposing them to a series of dilutions of aqueous extracts of Eucalypt and Pine ashes (AAEs) from high severity wildfires. From the 80 bacterial isolates collected, 48 (mostly Pseudomonas spp.) showed antimicrobial activity. Exposure of bacteria with antimicrobial activity to the Eucalypt and Pine AAEs at concentrations of 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, revealed that bacterial growth could be significantly inhibited, stimulated or unaffected by ash. Growth inhibition was found for Pine and Eucalypt AAEs at concentrations as low as 6.25% and 12.5%, respectively, but were more expressive at concentrations equal or above 50%. Eucalypt AAEs had a higher negative impact on bacterial growth than Pine AAEs, likely due to differences in metal concentrations between ash types. These findings raise concern about the future of amphibians in fire-prone regions since the foreseen increase in fire frequency and severity owing to climate changes are likely to alter the skin microbiome of amphibians, weaken the immune system and consequently increasing the incidence of infections or diseases, further contributing to the decline of the populations.

A review on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons distribution in freshwater ecosystems and their toxicity to benthic fauna.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds, found ubiquitously in all environmental compartments. PAHs are considered hazardous pollutants, being of concern to both the environmental and human health. In the aquatic environment, PAHs tend to accumulate in the sediment due to their high hydrophobicity, and thus sediments can be considered their ultimate sink. Concurrently, sediments comprise important habitats for benthic species. This raises concern over the toxic effects of PAHs to benthic communities. Despite PAHs have been the subject of several reviews, their toxicity to freshwater benthic species has not been comprehensively discussed. This review aimed to provide an overview on PAHs distribution in freshwater environments and on their toxicity to benthic fauna species. The distribution of PAHs between sediments and the overlying water column, given by the sediment-water partition coefficient, revealed that PAHs concentrations were 2 to 4 orders of magnitude higher in sediments than in water. The sediment-water partition coefficient was positively correlated to PAHs hydrophobicity. Toxicity of PAHs to benthic fauna was addressed through Species Sensitivity Distributions. The derived hazardous concentration for 5% of the species (HC5) decreased as follows: NAP (376 µg L-1) > PHE > PYR > FLT > ANT (0.854 µg L-1), varying by 3 orders of magnitude. The hazardous concentrations (HC5) to benthic species were inversely correlated to the hydrophobicity of the individual PAHs. These findings are pertinent for environmental risk assessment of these compounds. This review also identified future challenges regarding the environmental toxicity of PAHs to freshwater benthic communities, namely the need for updating the PAHs priority list and the importance of comprehensively and more realistically assess the toxicity of PAHs in combination with other stressors, both chemical and climate-related.